Onions and shallots market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh or chilled onions and shallots in Croatia experienced a decline from 43 674 t in 2018 to 33 771 t in 2020, followed by a recovery to 38 268 t in 2021. After a slight dip to 37 333 t in 2022, the market expanded again to 41 782 t in 2023.

The growth in 2023 was supported by a rise in domestic production to 16 090 t. This increase coincided with the Ministry of Agriculture issuing guidelines for onion growers on using specific fungicides to combat diseases like downy mildew and gray mold, which helped improve crop quality and yields.

Looking ahead, factors in 2024 included updated recommendations for herbicide use in onion crops and regulatory alignment with EU directives on sustainable pesticide use, alongside a noted increase in vegetable imports which influenced market dynamics.

Production onions and shallots in Croatia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

World map of production of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

Croatia's production of onions and shallots has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 16 350 tonnes, which represents a 10.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 13.3%, with an average annual decline of 4.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 21 100 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 11.8%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant drop, with production falling by 13.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports onions and shallots from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with the peak being 2.8 times higher than the trough. In 2020, Croatia exported 878 tonnes of onions and shallots, marking a 14.8% decrease from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 462 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 181.8%. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, with exports dropping by 29.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Slovenia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina—collectively accounted for 80.7% of Croatia's total onion and shallot exports by volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Croatia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over this period. Export values reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with the peak being 4.6 times higher than the trough. In 2020, Croatia's onion and shallot exports were valued at 434 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 32.1% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 640 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 159.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Croatia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017–2020, Slovenia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina were the primary partners for Croatia's onion and shallot exports by value. Slovenia accounted for 52.0% of export value, Serbia for 13.5%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina for 9.9%, together making up 75.4% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Croatia in value, 2017-2020

Imports onions and shallots to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

Croatia's imports of onions and shallots declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 18 299 tonnes, showing a significant contraction of 13.1% compared to the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 10.8%, with an average annual decline of 3.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 24 036 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 17.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Austria, and Germany were consistently the main sources for Croatia's onion and shallot imports by volume. The Netherlands accounted for 34.6% of imports, Austria for 32.0%, and Germany for 7.3%, together representing 73.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Croatia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Croatia's imports of onions and shallots declined. In 2020, imports totaled 8 247 thousand US dollars, constituting a 40.3% fall compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 21.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.7%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 13 817 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 63.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Croatia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2017–2020, the Netherlands, Austria, and Italy were consistently the main sources for Croatia's onion and shallot imports by value. The Netherlands accounted for 38.3% of import value, Austria for 20.9%, and Italy for 10.5%, together making up 69.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Croatia in value, 2017-2020